Rephonic
Artwork for Seek Safely
Self-Help Industry
Mental Health
James Arthur Ray
Self-Help
Scientology
Cults
Artificial Intelligence
Trauma
Seek Safely Summit
Recovery
Eating Disorders
Climate Change
Abuse
Ethics In Self-Help
Societal Chaos
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
NXIVM Cult
Taylor Swift
Accountability
International Cultic Studies Association

The SEEK Safely podcast is the official voice of the nonprofit organization SEEK Safely Inc, which advocates for ethics and accountability in the self-help industry, and empowers seekers to have safe and effective self-improvement journeys. Jean Brown and Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle peel back the layers of the largely unregulated, multi-billion dollar self-help industry, discussing the patterns of exp... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes55Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Seek Safely

Latest Episodes

Jean and Glenn revisit some recent examples of supposedly visionary individuals whose grand plans led to disaster. It’s a sort of wishful thinking, fake-it-till-you-make-it, “manifest it” mindset that is not only a hallmark of modern self-help, but a... more

Jean and Dr. Doyle discuss the recent appointment of Tony Robbins to the HHS and CMS Mental Healthcare Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness. A lack of qualifications never stopped Tony—why stop now?! Mostly, it’s a point of curiosity. But... more

Glenn and Jean chat with SEEK Friend Anne Peterson, asking the question, "What would 'good' self-help look like?" It's easy to focus on the negative in the industry, but SEEK Safely's mission has always come with the assumption that this industry has... more

Chris Shelton has  a Master's degree in Coercive Control and is the creator of the R.E.M. model of human behaviour, which sheds light on the motivations and drivers that can contribute to a person falling under the persuasion of coercive groups or id... more

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Recent Guests

Anne Peterson
Host of Confronting the Line podcast
Confronting the Line
Episode: What does "Good Self-help" Look Like with Anne Peterson
Chris Shelton
Former Scientologist, author and mental health advocate
Former Scientologist; Aftermath Foundation collaborator
Episode: Interview with Chris Shelton Part 1
Dr. John Hunter
Author of Manufacturing Mania, The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience
Episode: Dr. John Hunter Explains how Self-help Events are “Manufacturing Mania”
Dr. Christine B. Whelan
Self-help industry expert and author
Episode: Entering the Post-guru Phase of Self-help: Reflecting on James Ray’s Death with Dr. Christine Whelan
India Oxenberg
Author, producer, and activist known for escaping the NXIVM cult
Still Learning Podcast
Episode: Chatting with India Oxenberg on the Self-help to Cult Pipeline
Anne L. Peterson
Author of 'Is This A Cult?' who reflects on her experiences with Landmark Forum.
Episode: Following up with Anne Peterson, Author of "Is This a Cult"
Brit Barkholtz
A trauma therapist specializing in complex trauma and eating disorders
Episode: SEEK Safely Podcast (Taylor Edition) with Brit Barkholtz (Part 1)

Hosts

Jean Brown
Host of SEEK Safely podcast; focuses on ethics, accountability, and safe self-help practices.
Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle
Co-host and co-founder; psychologist by training; co-leads critical examinations of self-help culture and ethics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 97 ratings
  • Did the Forum or did it do me

    This discussion is a lucid, balanced, open minded look at change your (or your child's) awareness or behavior programs that promise EZ 1-2-3 transformation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    artmompoemmaker
    United States4 months ago
  • Excellent podcast about controlling groups

    Really love listening to this podcast. It is well edited and meaningful. A great resource to learn about controlling groups and the individuals they manipulate.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    83917372548
    United Statesa year ago
  • Spot on

    As someone who has been seeking (for me personally that is looking for ways to recover from cptsd ) for a long time, I have been aware of the self help industry for many years.

    But it was watching my partner at a vulnerable point in his life, be sucked into a self help “guru’s” whirlpool of wild promises mixed with a flotsam of truth, that opened my eyes to the dangers of this unregulated business.

    The money, the time, the divide it created in our relationship. My inability to explain to him ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sparescrew
    New Zealand2 years ago
  • Very relatable!!

    I love spending time with Jean and Dr. Doyle. They’re funny, down to earth and give great recommendations without being preachy or like an icky self help guru (which is exactly what they’re not!). I was a long time self-help junkie and read ALL the books, so I love when they discuss various ‘gurus’. I look forward to every new episode and always leave feeling good about myself, like I’m normal and have something good to offer the world, (and that I probably don’t need any self help, even thoug... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ChrPre
    Canada2 years ago
  • Please Stop Nattering

    I deeply believe in seeking safely and I am a skeptical self-help geek. I am fascinating by the flim flammery of the industry but also believe self help offers a lot of value. I am probably this podcast’s ideal listener. However, I am very frustrated at how long it takes the hosts to get to their points every episode. We are on minute 17 of a podcast about Tony Robbins and we haven’t heard anything of substance except he is one of the leading self help gurus and is so popular The Office has made... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    marysternbach
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

They're praised for demystifying manipulation in the self-help space.
Hosts are relatable and insightful with strong ethical grounding.
Some listeners wish pacing were tighter or points made sooner.
Open, balanced critique that feels trustworthy and practical.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Chatting with India Oxenberg on the Self-help to Cult Pipeline
Q: How do you feel about forgiveness?
Forgiveness is complex, and it can be a healing tool if it resonates with you, but it's important to find what works for your own recovery journey.
Chatting with India Oxenberg on the Self-help to Cult Pipeline
Q: What was the hook for you in NXIVM?
The hook was the motivation to heal past traumas and the perception that I was there to learn, grow, and achieve success.
SEEK Safely Summit Recap with Anne Peterson
Q: What do you think would correct some of these dangers or problems in the self-help industry?
Having a magic wand, we can discuss about possible changes the industry can adopt for better safety and accountability.
Following up with Anne Peterson, Author of "Is This a Cult"
Q: How would you answer the question 'Is Landmark a cult?' now?
I would say yes, I have come to recognize the abusive practices as cult-like after deeper reflection.
Following up with Anne Peterson, Author of "Is This a Cult"
Q: How has the response been to your book since its release?
The response has been overwhelming, with many Landmark graduates thanking me for sharing their stories.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Seek Safely

What is Seek Safely about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program centers on ethics, safety, and accountability in the self-help ecosystem. Listeners get critical analyses of gurus, high-control groups, and promotional narratives, with frequent calls for trauma-informed, consumer-protective approaches. Episodes cover real-world cases, industry dynamics, and practical safeguards, often tying in upcoming summits and initiatives to promote safer pathways for personal development. The show's strength lies in its clear stance against exploitative practices, its balanced critique of well-intentioned psychology, and its emphasis on transparent, accountable leadership within the space.

Noteworthy attributes include a strong advocacy backbone from a nonprofit perspective, a collaborative host dynamic... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Seek Safely?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Seek Safely:

1. WTF is on my Mind?!
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. The Telepathy Tapes
4. Maintenance Phase
5. If Books Could Kill

How many episodes of Seek Safely are there?

Seek Safely launched 4 years ago and published 55 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Seek Safely?

Recent guests on Seek Safely include:

1. Anne Peterson
2. Chris Shelton
3. Dr. John Hunter
4. Dr. Christine B. Whelan
5. India Oxenberg
6. Anne L. Peterson
7. Brit Barkholtz

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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